→ A Note From Jess
Hey Bakersfield families,
Hey Bakersfield families,
There are a lot of ways to make a little room for fall this weekend, whether you’re hoping to get another outing out of those costumes or would rather keep things simple with a free library activity. This week’s picks include chalk art at The Marketplace, Boo at the Zoo, and an outdoor evening at Wind Wolves.
You don’t need to fit it all in. Pick the thing that sounds good for your family, save a couple of dates for later, and leave room for the kind of weekend you actually want to have.
Below you’ll find a few places to start, some free plans for next week, and Halloween happenings worth putting on your radar now.
Find all local events for families in Bakersfield on the event calendar, here.
— Jess
→ This Weekend, Curated
Via Arté Italian Street Painting Festival
Saturday–Sunday, October 17–18 · 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
The Marketplace · 9000 Ming Avenue
Watch the pavement become a gallery of chalk art at this family-friendly festival. There’s also a Via Bambino area for visitors who want to try making their own masterpiece. General admission and parking are free; check separately for participation costs.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday–Sunday, October 16–18 · 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
CALM Zoo · 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway
A daytime Halloween outing with animals, festive decorations, games, candy and prizes. Visit CALM’s event page for current ticket details before heading out—or check out our reel, here.
CALM event details and tickets
Children First Fall Harvest Festival
Friday, October 16 · 4–6 p.m.
David Nelson Pocket Park · 1511 Niles Street
Children First’s fourth annual festival brings a resource fair, music and dance, arts and crafts, and activities for kids into one neighborhood afternoon. Admission cost is not listed in the information available to TBM.
Organizer details
Howl-o-ween at Wind Wolves Preserve
Saturday, October 17 · Activities begin at 3 p.m.
16019 Maricopa Highway
Nature-inspired activities lead into a costume parade at 6:15 p.m. and an outdoor showing of Coco at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free.
Organizer details
Saturday Sensory Play
Saturday, October 17 · 11 a.m.
Holloway-Gonzales Branch Library · 506 E. Brundage Lane
A free option for ages 2–4, with activities focused on language, motor skills and exploration.
Library program details
Dungeons and Dragons Club
Friday, October 16 · 4 p.m.
Northeast Branch Library · 2671 Oswell Street, Suite B
For teens: join a one-off D&D campaign at the library. This free club uses standalone adventures so newcomers can join.
Teen program details
Want more options? Explore the Bakersfield Family Calendar for the complete listings and event details.
Want to reach local families?
Put your business in front of Bakersfield parents who are actively looking for where to go, what to do, and who to know.
→ From the TBM Community
Keep the library in your weekly plans
The library calendar includes more than storytime. Next week, there are free opportunities for little ones to paint, school-age kids to build, and teens to spend time making something together.
Teen Craft Club: Monday, October 19, 4–5 p.m. at Beale Memorial Library. All supplies are provided.
LEGO Maniacs, ages 6–12: Tuesday, October 20, 4–5 p.m. at Beale Memorial Library. Build an original creation and put it on display.
Wednesday Watercoloring, ages 2–4: Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m. at Holloway-Gonzales Branch Library.
All three are listed as free. Browse the Family Calendar for more programs, and check each branch’s details for any participation requirements.
→ Put It on Your Radar
01. Trunk or Treat with Friends
Thursday, October 22 · 6–8 p.m.
Exotic Nails & Beauty Supplies parking lot · 3528 Ming Avenue
Music and candy for kids, plus gifts for parents at designated trunks while supplies last. Admission cost is not stated; check with the host before you go.
02. Spooky Book Bash
Friday, October 23 · 2:30–5 p.m.
Northeast Branch Library · 2671 Oswell Street, Suite B
A free Halloween celebration with DJ Pantomime, stories, dancing, games, crafts and book sharing. Kids can come in costume or as they are.
03. Scairport Fall Fest
Saturday, October 24 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bakersfield Municipal Airport · 410 E. Planz Road
Save the date for a family fall festival with trick-or-treating, airplanes, a car club, food, music and raffles. Entry is free; individual purchases or activities may cost extra.
04. The Haunted Library
Saturday, October 24 · Noon–3 p.m.
Baker Branch Library · 1400 Baker Street
A free, all-ages Halloween event with a scavenger hunt, spooky tour, resource fair, maze, crafts and costume contests. Costumes are welcome.
C U R A T E D
→ One Local Find
Bakersfield Costumes
323 Roberts Lane · Bakersfield
Still looking for this year’s costume? With Halloween and costume-friendly outings coming up, Bakersfield Costumes is a local shop to keep on your list. The shop offers extended October hours.
→ Pick Your Pumpkin Patch
Cherry Acres
4011 Wegis Avenue
Mon–Thu: 4–8 p.m. · Fri: 4–9 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. · Sun: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Open through October 30; closed Halloween.
Details →
Murray Family Farms
6700 General Beale Road
Mon–Thu: 2–9 p.m. · Fri–Sun: 1–10 p.m.
Open daily in October. A pumpkin is included with each paid admission.
Details →
Banducci’s Family Pumpkin Patch
10747 Taft Highway
Mon–Fri: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. · Sat: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Halloween: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Details →
The Patch
8211 Brimhall Road
Mon–Thu: 4–8:30 p.m. · Fri: 4–9:30 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. · Sun: 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Details →
Check the latest updates before heading out. Attraction hours and special events may differ.
Want to reach local families?
Put your business in front of Bakersfield parents who are actively looking for where to go, what to do, and who to know.
→ Find Your Next Family Outing
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